William Ellery ChanningWilliam Ellery Channing, (1780-1842) American Unitarian preacher

Famous William Ellery Channing Quote

“The cry has been that when war is declared, all opposition should therefore be hushed. A sentiment more unworthy of a free country could hardly be propagated. If the doctrine be admitted, rulers have only to declare war and they are screened at once from scrutiny.”

William Ellery ChanningWilliam Ellery Channing
~ William Ellery Channing

Life, 1848

Ratings and Comments


E Archer, NYC

It is not treasonous to report abuses of power -- especially about a non-declared war in a foreign land.

Jack, Green, OH

Do not confuse an illegal invasion of a sovereign country with a declared war. No war - no demand for silence.

J Carlton, Calgary

“Naturally the common people don't want war; neither in Russia, nor in England, nor in America, nor in Germany. That is understood. But after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.” ~ Hermann Goering And naturally the Nazi's "disappeared" anyone who opposed them too loudly. We'd never have laws like that in the USA, now would we?

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